Top Hillary Aide Fundraising for 2004 Prez Race

NewsMax.com ^ | June 21, 2004 | Carl Limbacher

[Carl/NewsMax]

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton's most trusted political advisor has been put in charge of a new initiative to raise campaign cash for the 2004 presidential race, the Washington Post reported Saturday.

"Harold Ickes, a top political aide in the Clinton White House, is talking to donors about raising tens of millions of dollars for next year's presidential nominee," the paper said.

Though Mr. Ickes has devoted himself over the last decade to fundraising for the Clintons' two presidential campaigns as well as the former first lady's 2000 U.S. Senate race, he was careful not to suggest the new effort had anything to do with Sen. Clinton's own widely reported White House ambitions.

"Those of us who know about it just refer to it as the 'media fund,'" Ickes told the Post cryptically.

Campaign finance laws prohibit Hillary Clinton from being directly involved in the Ickes fundraising drive, but the ban does not apply to her husband, who has acknowledged that her White House bid is a matter of "when, not if."

"Three former high-ranking aides to the Clintons - Harold Ickes, Doug Sosnik and John D. Podesta - joined forces last August to set up a Democratic Party soft-money operation with the goal of running pro-Democratic "issue ads" in the 2004 race.

The trio were reportedly planning to use provisions of the tax code that allow the creation of tax-exempt organizations to tap into the soft money bonanza that was banned under the new campaign finance reform law.

Ickes involvement in the 2004 presidential campaign is part of a larger effort by the Clintons to tighten their grip on the Democratic Party, the Post said, explaining that, "top officials from the Clinton administration are taking, or tightening, control over several of the party's most influential political groups."

New Jersey Sen. Jon Corzine said the move was "an extension" of what the Clintons began during "their days in the White House."

But at least one former White House political advisor took pains to dispel the notion that the shakeup was orchestrated with another Clinton presidential campaign in mind.

"The Clintons are supportive of these efforts that are being developed, but it's not centered on them or driven by them," former White House political advisor Mike Lux insisted.

[Carl/NewsMax]

If Ickes is involved in a key Dem fundraising drive for 2004 Prez race, does that undermine otherwise well-founded speculation that the Clintons actually want a Dem to lose next year?

Under what condition do you suppose Ickes actually wants a Dem to beat Bush?

[lainie]

Well, the fact that algore came close in 2000 is the only thing really fueling them now for 2004, right? Maybe they want a dem to come close next year because they see it as the beginning of the 2008 race (in which Hillary arrives on her white horse to save the day)?

[alloysteel]

"Under what condition do you suppose Ickes actually wants a Dem to beat Bush?"

One very certain one - that the venomous viper of a spouse to the "Former Occupant of the Oval Office, 1993-2001" wants back in the White House in 2005. And time is not Her friend. If ANY issue against Bush gains traction at all, Herself wants to be around at the head of the parade.

[Lazamataz]

If Ickes is involved in a key Dem fundraising drive for 2004 Prez race, does that undermine otherwise well-founded speculation that the Clintons actually want a Dem to lose next year? Under what condition do you suppose Ickes actually wants a Dem to beat Bush?

You miss another possibility, one that the Clintons are expert at: Misdirection/Misappropriation of funds to the 2006 Senate and 2008 Presidential Hillary! runs.

[auntdot]

I believe Hillary will only run in '04 if she believes she has a good shot at winning.

Otherwise, she and her husband are going to do everything they can to ensure GWB wins a second term.

So far the nine dwarfs, the Disney seven plus Sleezy and Mottley, are doing a fine job of withering on the political vine.

And I am sure Bill and Hill could not be more content.

But should one of the sappy nine find some traction agin the Pres, the Hillary will step in and suck in the nomination faster than the speed of light.

[VRWC For Truth]

1) Klintons hand pick McAuliff to head the DNC.
2) Klintons hand pick Ickeys for '04 fund raising.
3) Shillarys' book tour one year befor '04.

Nah, Hillary isn't running in '04. [/sarcasm] The sycophants in the media will make Hillary smell like Mother Theresa in '04.

[Grand Old Partisan]

You betcha that Hillary is running in 2004! There is no basis to assume that if she loses next year she is out of the running for 2008 -- that's just wishful thinking.

Be afraid, be very afraid, but Karl Rove & Co. have already taken the best countermeasure against it, by postponing the 2004 Republican National Convention to September.

[Ruth A.]

They are also building up favors by having one of "theirs" work to raise money for others. In due time they will call in all thier markers.

[GatekeeperBookman]

Anonymous caller to Michael Savage ( as he interviewed Peggy Noonan, night after Hitlary book came out ):

"The Supremes will 'ok' Campaign Reform law-no nasty commercials immediatly B4 election.

Leading democRAT slug steps aside for health/family/personal reasons. Hitlary steps IN 2 save day. It worked in Jersey when the Torch flamed-out. It'll work in 2004. Thank you & good night."
The irrepresable Savage had no reply-I think he was bothered by the plausability of the scenario.

Caller was quite sober, rational & sounded very sharp. I have condensed his remarks slightly-he wasted not one word. Sounded like a savy guy-maybe lawyer, campaign worker, maybe even dmoeRat prankster.
I could not sleep well after that.

I should think this country would come apart if this fiend is elected. I really do.

---

[GatekeeperBookman]

The solution to Hitlary polution is CONDI RICE-V.Prez.

She & Mr. Cheney could just swap places.

[firewalk]

New Jersey Sen. Jon Corzine said the move was "an extension" of what the Clintons began during "their days in the White House."

a continuation...
If you look closely at the White House(check the rear), you'd probably see them there, camping by the back door...